Associate Director, ESD Energy, Environment and Sustainability Department

Associate Director, ESD Energy, Environment and Sustainability Department

We are searching for an experienced and motivated Associate Director to join our Energy team at the Environment and Sustainability Department, based in our London HQ office. You will have ESIA due diligence experience in the energy sector, experience working with EBRD, and IFC safeguarding performance standards, understanding the complexity of nuclear, renewables, power distribution and other forms of energy transmission and distribution.

In addition to English, fluency in one of the official languages of EBRD (e.g., French, Russian) or another language from one of our operating countries is preferred.

Purpose of the Job

The Associate Director will work with the Associate Director Heads of Sector and Directors in ESD to deliver the Bank's commitments under its Environmental and Social Policy. This includes environmental and social appraisal and monitoring of the Bank's portfolio of projects and activities in various sectors; oversight and verification of the Bank's approaches, assessments, monitoring, reporting and verification of environmental, social, green and other commitments relevant to the ESD mandate. The Associate Director will manage the appraisal and monitoring of complex and high-risk projects, provide specialist input, and conduct oversight of a range of projects and sectors.

Background

ESD works closely and interacts daily with the banking teams and other departments to drive the shared agenda of sound environment and sustainable development. It is responsible for the environmental and social appraisal, assessment, and monitoring of the Bank's portfolio of projects and activities across various sectors, and is the custodian of the Environmental and Social Policy (ESP). ESD interacts primarily with banking teams during project development and implementation, where active participation is expected to assess gaps, develop solutions, and ensure compliance and increased environmental and social transition impact.

Within its mandate, ESD:

• conducts oversight and verification of the Bank's approaches and assessments
• interacts frequently with the Board, banking and external stakeholders
• is responsible for data collection and data management
• sets standards and minimum requirements
• oversees and assesses environmental and sustainability-related risk
• monitors, reports, and verifies commitments

ESD is also responsible for the ESP and related policy management and development, methodologies and guidance.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

• Technically manage, provide specialist input, and oversee a range of projects or tasks, including complex and high-risk projects and technical committees. They work independently or with the support of Principals and Associates.
• Deliver specific projects, tasks, activities, or initiatives that may include assessment of ESP compliance, E&S risk impacts and opportunities, climate and nature risks, Paris Alignment, green finance attribution, monitoring, verification, and assurance.
• Oversee and manage projects, coordinate tasks and outputs, conduct analytical, scientific, and technical reviews and appraisals, develop and implement methodologies, and monitor outputs.
• Provide specialist input, review documentation, negotiate contract terms, and liaise with EBRD staff, clients, and consultants.
• Undertake independent work travel or lead ESD/consultant teams.
• Represent ESD internally and externally at various fora, including project, client, lender, and stakeholder meetings.
• Coordinate specialist input to sector and country strategies, policies, papers, or other initiatives.
• Take responsibility for a particular theme or sub-sector specialization, developing and disseminating knowledge.
• Deliver internal and external capacity-building initiatives and mentor and coach staff on environmental, social, and finance matters.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of internal processes, including streamlining and automation of data.
• Manage on-the-ground engagement with internal and external counterparts, including senior government officials, to support delivery of the EBRD's Environmental and Social Policy.
• Prepare internal and external sustainability reporting, including the Bank's sustainability reporting approach and methodologies.
• Champion and role-model the Bank's Behavioural Competencies and Corporate Behaviours, ensuring adherence within the team.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• Degree in environmental and/or social sciences, economics, engineering, or a related field, or comparable professional experience.
• Proven track record in appraising complex environmental and social risks and impacts of projects and/or sectors.
• Knowledge of international good practice standards and guidelines (EBRD Environmental and Social Requirements, IFC Performance Standards, Equator Principles, Paris Agreement alignment, TCFD, TNFD, SSB, CSRD, sector guidelines).
• Knowledge and experience of financing instruments, approaches, and processes, including IFI policies and procedures, and policy development.
• Strong sector or thematic expertise and knowledge of policies and safeguards application.
• Familiarity with the countries in which the Bank operates or plans to operate.
• Track record in project management, leading multidisciplinary teams, and delivering risk-assessment based solutions for complex projects.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work independently or lead in a multicultural environment.
• Excellent time management, organisational skills, and ability to multitask and delegate.
• Excellent written and spoken English; fluency in a local language is required for resident office appointments.
• Proven experience communicating complex policy and technical issues to senior stakeholders, building consensus, and reaching agreement.
• Demonstrated experience mentoring and coaching junior staff.
• Ability to transfer external experience into the EBRD context.
• Proactive in anticipating problems and leading initiatives to avoid escalation.
• Experience in negotiations, persuasion, and influence to deliver objectives, based on effective communication skills.
• Ability to operate in a multicultural environment and build effective relationships with clients and colleagues.

What is it like to work at the EBRD? / About EBRD

Our agile and innovative approach makes life at the EBRD a unique experience. You will be part of a pioneering and diverse international organisation, using your talents to make a real difference and shape the future of the regions we invest in.

At EBRD, our Values - Inclusiveness, Innovation, Trust, and Responsibility - shape how we work. Through our Workplace Behaviours (listening, collaborating, acting decisively, simplifying), we foster a positive and high-performing environment.

The EBRD environment provides you with:

• Varied, stimulating, and engaging work that allows interaction with experts across finance, politics, public and private sectors.
• A culture that embraces inclusion, celebrating diversity and promoting fresh ideas and innovation.
• A hybrid workplace offering flexibility, trust, and connectivity.
• An emphasis on sustainability, equality, and digital transformation.
• Employee well being and a comprehensive suite of competitive benefits.

Diversity is a core value of the Bank. We ensure equal opportunities for all qualified candidates, regardless of background, identity, or disability.

Please note that due to the high volume of applications, we regret to inform you that we are unable to provide detailed feedback to candidates who have not been shortlisted.